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Drilling Rig Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Patterson-UTI

Engineer ULTCAD

Calgary, AB · On-site

Registered with APEGA or ASET * 5+ years of relevant drilling, down-hole tools, drill bits or rig-site experience * Valid driver's license. Preferred Qualifications: * Strong negotiation skills.

Pason Systems

Project Manager, Hardware

Calgary, AB · On-site

These products seek to provide automated, lab-like fluid property measurements in an unmanned, harsh drilling rig environment. The ideal candidate is one who can empower a small group of engineers to ...

Precision Drilling

Electrical Engineer

Nisku, AB

On-Site At Precision Drilling, our mission is to deliver safe, sustainable, and high-performance ... The Electrical Engineer designs and supports electrical and automation solutions that enhance rig ...

Precision Drilling

Journeyman Millwright

Calgary, AB

On-Site At Precision Drilling, our mission is to deliver safe, sustainable, and high-performance ... rig machinery and mechanical equipment. In this role, the Journeyman also works closely with the ...

NABORS

ELECTRICIAN I

Nisku, AB

Responsibilities include commissioning control systems and integrated rig equipment on drilling rigs domestically and internationally. You will need to work under minimal supervision and train ...

NABORS

ELECTRICIAN II

Nisku, AB · On-site

Responsibilities include commissioning control systems and integrated rig equipment on drilling rigs domestically and internationally. You will need to work under minimal supervision and train ...

Pason Systems

User Experience Designer

Calgary, AB

Pason is a leading technology company serving the drilling industry with high-value hardware ... You are passionate about getting to know the rig user. You have a knack for getting to the root of ...

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All JobsDrilling Rig JobsDrilling Rig Jobs in Alberta

Drilling Rig information

See Alberta salary details

$12

$30

$67

How much do drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig in Alberta is $30.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drilling rig?

A drilling rig is a complex machine used to create holes in the ground, most commonly for the exploration and extraction of oil, natural gas, or water. These rigs can be massive structures used offshore or smaller, mobile units for land-based drilling. Drilling rigs are equipped with specialized equipment to drill, circulate drilling fluids, and handle extracted materials. The type of rig used depends on the location, depth, and purpose of the drilling operation.

What is the difference between Drilling Rig vs Drilling Operator?

AspectDrilling RigDrilling Operator
CredentialsCertifications in equipment operation, safety trainingSame certifications, plus operational training
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling locations, heavy machineryOn-site, operating drilling equipment
Industry UsageUsed to describe the equipment and infrastructureRefers to the personnel operating the equipment

The drilling rig is the large structure used to drill wells, while the drilling operator is the worker who operates the rig. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same environment, but the rig refers to the equipment, and the operator refers to the personnel managing it.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Drilling rig jobs, such as roustabouts or roughnecks, can pay around $4,000 per week with experience and safety certifications. These roles often require physical stamina, technical skills, and on-the-job training rather than a college degree, and they typically involve working in the oil and gas industry on a rotating schedule.

How to get hired on a drilling rig?

To get hired on a drilling rig, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant safety certifications such as OSHA, and physical fitness. Experience in the oil and gas industry or technical training in drilling operations can improve job prospects, and entry-level positions often require willingness to work long shifts and in remote locations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working on a drilling rig, and how can they be managed?

Professionals working on a drilling rig often encounter challenges such as long shifts, physically demanding tasks, and exposure to harsh weather conditions. Teamwork is essential, as safety depends on clear communication and collaboration among crew members. Adapting quickly to changing situations and following strict safety protocols helps manage risks and ensures smooth operations. Regular training and support from experienced colleagues also play a key role in overcoming these challenges and fostering a safe, productive work environment.

What Are Drilling Rig Jobs?

Six positions on an oil rig crew run the operations of both onshore and offshore drilling rigs. As the rig manager, you are in charge of the company's interests. You oversee all personnel and operations and report program progress to your superiors. As a driller, you monitor drilling procedures and ensure that all other personnel follows safety and efficiency protocol. As a derrickhand, you maintain and repair the circulating system equipment. Your duties as a leasehand include setting up and taking down the drilling equipment and keeping an organized work environment. The floorhand's responsibilities include manipulating pipe sections and drill stems. Finally, as the motorhand, you operate the diesel and electric engines that keep the rig running.

What is the highest paid oil rig job?

The highest paid oil rig jobs are typically senior positions such as drilling engineers, toolpushers, or rig managers, with salaries often exceeding $150,000 annually. These roles require extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications, and often involve working long shifts in challenging environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drilling Rig Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drilling Rig Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of drilling operations, and relevant certifications such as Well Control or IADC Rig Pass. Familiarity with drilling equipment, safety systems, and industry-standard software like drilling data acquisition systems is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for safe and efficient operations. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure operational safety, minimize downtime, and maintain productivity in demanding environments.
More about Drilling Rig jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Rig jobs in Alberta? The most popular types of Drilling Rig jobs in Alberta are:
What are popular job titles related to Drilling Rig jobs in Alberta? For Drilling Rig jobs in Alberta, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drilling Rig jobs in Alberta look for? The top searched job categories for Drilling Rig jobs in Alberta are:
Drilling Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig job openings in Alberta as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% As Needed, and 83% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,417 per year, or $30 per hour.
Engineer ULTCAD

Engineer ULTCAD

Patterson-UTI

Calgary, AB • On-site

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Patterson-UTI rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 74 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Detailed Description:

Drilling Application Analysis:

  • Collect, analyze, and manage technical data related to drilling performance.

  • Interpret downhole drilling information, well profiles, lithology, and their implications on directional control, BHA limitations, bit design, and overall drilling efficiency.

  • Provide exceptional service to customers by offering drilling optimization strategies and solutions.

  • Conduct detailed performance analyses for critical or strategic applications to enhance operational efficiency.

Product Development:

  • Utilize engineering principles, product knowledge, and deductive reasoning to design and optimize products.

  • Continuously evaluate products, components, and materials to ensure superior performance.

  • Perform benchmark analysis and measurable performance evaluations.

  • Apply critical thinking to develop innovative solutions for diverse challenges.

  • Communicate new product capabilities and recommendations to the sales team and customers.

  • Make application-specific recommendations for product standardization or obsolescence based on field performance data.

Technical Sales:

  • Identify new business opportunities by applying in-depth product knowledge.

  • Provide technical applications support to the sales team through customer meetings, presentations, and consultations.

  • Collaborate with the sales team and customers to enhance performance and address reliability concerns.

  • Deliver training sessions for internal teams and external customers to strengthen technical knowledge and skills.

Job Requirements:

  • In-depth knowledge of drill bits, downhole tools, application analysis and the drilling environment is essential.

  • Strong communication and negotiating skills; sales experience is an asset.

  • Presentation and public speaking skills

  • Non-standard work hours may be required for rig/operational support when needed.

  • Robust knowledge of computer systems and application programs - Microsoft Word, Excel, PowePoint, Power BI, Tableau, Spotfire or data analytic systems

  • Ability to solve problems with limited resources, information and time.

  • Participate in development programs to learn new skills and stay abreast of new technology and innovations.

  • Comply with Ulterra's health and safety policies.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Undergraduate degree in Science, Engineering, or Math, or CET (Certified Engineering Technologist).

  • Registered with APEGA or ASET

  • 5+ years of relevant drilling, down-hole tools, drill bits or rig-site experience

  • Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong negotiation skills.

  • Proficiency in computer systems and analytical tools, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI, Tableau, or Spotfire.

Additional Details:

The Applications Engineer must work with an emphasis on safety for themselves and others including coworkers and third parties. The typical work environment will be in the office or field which may require exposure to outdoor weather conditions, and/or loud noise.

Our People, Our Service, and Our Technology

Ulterra is the #1 PDC drill bit partner in North America. Operating worldwide, we deliver superior drilling technology to companies producing the energy that powers our lives. We constantly push the boundaries of known technology to come up with new ways to improve drilling performance with higher rates of penetration (ROP) and unique designs for challenging conditions, while providing outstanding support from dedicated people.

Patterson-UTI is committed to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, offering equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of personal characteristics protected by law. Employees are encouraged to report any concerns through multiple channels.


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